Dick Whittington

My visit to see Morley's pantomime brought back happy memories and a whiff of nostalgia - many years ago, I played the title role of Dick Whittington with a semi-professional company at the old Leeds Civic Theatre - we played all over the Christmas and New Year season and I was lucky to have my then 11year old son play Tommy the Cat - we had a ball!  I even remembered most of the dialogue as I watched this performance - it hasn't changed much and was as fun now as it was before!

Once again, the Direction and Choreography was in the capable and experienced hands of Michael Kirkby. He knows his company well and the result was a traditional and a fun production. The Musical Director was Ian Abbott, who had used both modern and traditional music for the show. Jo Cooke was the Youth Choreographer and had rehearsed the children very well. 

The story of Dick Whittington is a true one - he was employed by Alderman Fitzwarren and married his daughter, Alice. Not sure about Tommy the Cat or Sarah the Cook, but London in the 14th century had a definite rat problem, so I am sure the Alderman then had plenty of resources to deal with the problems!

The cast for this production was led by Sophie Walker as a spirited Dick Whittington, with good diction and a clear singing voice, looking the part to perfection. Daisy Baum played a perfect Alice - pretty, charming and a strong singing voice, particularly in her rendition of 'On My Own' from Les Miserables, very touching. The indefatigable Steven Holt played Sarah the Cook with unswerving enthusiasm - his vast experience as Dame was a pleasure to see - the audience loved him!  The Dame in pantomime has the hard task of pulling the company and audience together and Steven does this so well!  Paul Newbegin played King Rat, the character we love to hate, with lots of verve and strength - I loved the way he actually encouraged the audience to boo him mercilessly - great fun!  Mark Nightingale played Idle Jack with lots of comic gusto - his 'drunk' scenes were brilliant - he had a good connection with the audience. Sadie Roberts, as Fairy Bowbells, was  bright and twinkly, I did enjoy her characterisation, complemented by her costume and wig!  Emily Grayston played Tommy the Cat - very feline with nice movements. Cameron Sherry played the dual roles of Alderman Fitzwaren and his 'brother' Captain Horatio Fitzwarren with aplomb - the comedy really worked in the latter role on board the doomed ship - very funny!  Louise Blackburn played the Empress of Morocco with commanding stage presence - Julie Davis and Mel Harris were encased in the suit of Humpty the Camel - congratulations on great foot work and perseverance!!

The ensemble were more than capable in their movements and singing, along with the Youth Ensemble - they all worked very hard supporting the main cast - I could tell there were a lot of rehearsals to get them so perfect in their performances.

As always, a good show needs a great deal of dedicated backstage staff who work so hard but who not always get the glory. The Stage Manager, Dave Ingham had an excellent team around him - I must particularly mention the lovely costumes from Morley's own Costume store, organised by Tracy Stocks, Andrea Holt and their team - this is the most hardworking department, often under-funded and unsupported - as I did that job for many years, you have my respect and gratitude. Laura Watson also deserves a pat on the back for the makeup for King Rat and Tommy the Cat.

This was a very good show with a lot of thought gone into it - pretty sets, props, lighting and sound, plenty for the audience to admire in the direction and musicality. There was one moment in a scene where Idle Jack is persuaded by the ruthless King Rat to raid the safe and put the money in Dick's bundle - as Dick tried to pronounce his innocence a lone voice wafted up from the group of brownies, cubs etc., in the auditorium - 'Jack did it!!'.  It almost threw the principals off balance with laughter - that is what pantomime is all about!

A perfect, traditional paniomime for all the family - well done and congratulations to the entire company!

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